The bench press, or chest press, is an upper-body weight training exercise in which the trainee presses a weight upwards while lying on a weight training bench. The exercise uses the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoids, and the triceps, among other stabilizing muscles.

Bench presses are an exercise that can be used to tone the muscles of the upper body, including the pectorals, arms, and shoulders. Depending on your goals, there are different variations of bench presses that work slightly different muscles, too.

The bench press is a compound exercise that involves the pectoralis major of the chest, the anterior deltoids of the shoulder, and the triceps brachii of the upper arm. It builds strength as well as encourages the growth of these muscles.

bench press. noun [ C ] uk. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio. / ˈbentʃ ˌpres / us. Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio. / ˈbentʃ ˌpres /. an exercise in which you lie on a bench and lift a heavy weight with both your arms: His exercise routine consisted of bench presses and squats.